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About

Founded in 1933, in response to the hardships of the Great Depression, Catholic Charities of Oregon has long been a trusted partner for Oregonians experiencing poverty, displacement and injustice. For more than 90 years, we’ve provided pathways to stability and opportunity, helping individuals and families build better futures through compassion, collaboration and innovation.

Our mission is to ensure that essential, life-changing services are accessible to those who need them most. Across Oregon, we provide affordable and supportive housing, legal assistance, intensive case management and other critical services that strengthen lives and communities.

Catholic Charities of Oregon is a proud member of Catholic Charities USA and Caritas Internationalis, a global network dedicated to advancing human dignity and alleviating poverty worldwide. (EIN: 93-0386801)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Social Justice Statement

Catholic Charities of Oregon believes that every person has inherent dignity, value and worth. Our commitment is to recognize, protect and advance that dignity by fostering communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We know that our collective strength lies in our diversity. As we work to remove barriers and eliminate inequities, we remain steadfast in building a just and inclusive Oregon—one where all people are treated with respect and have access to opportunity.

Catholic Charities of Oregon carries this commitment forward through intentional diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across our programs, policies and partnerships. We actively recruit, support and promote staff and board members whose varied backgrounds and perspectives reflect the communities we serve. Together, we strive for a more equitable workplace, community and world.

Catholic Charities agency staff welcomes refugees at Portland International Airport

Mission & Vision

Mission statement

Inspired by the transformative power of God’s love, Catholic Charities of Oregon — the social service arm of the Catholic Church in western Oregon — partners with the most vulnerable, regardless of faith, to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.

Vision for society

Catholic Charities of Oregon envisions a society in which all people thrive economically, socially, and spiritually; cultivate diverse, respectful, and just communities; and recognize the inherent dignity and sanctity of human life.

Vision for the organization

Catholic Charities of Oregon achieves lasting solutions to poverty and injustice by partnering with clients to meet their economic and educational goals and to support their physical and social well-being.

*Adopted by the Board of Catholic Charities of Oregon March 14, 2013.

Whom We Work With

We welcome and serve everyone, regardless of race, religion, or orientation.
For our partners

We focus on solidarity, love, dignity, family, caring for the world around us, and ensuring that basic life needs are not only met but exceeded and maintained.

For our volunteers

We focus on making sure that every bit of good is squeezed out of every minute of time given and every dollar spent. We’re effective, caring, and nonjudgmental, and we welcome everyone.

For our future team

At Catholic Charities of Oregon, we care for our employees so they can take care of others. Together, we work to make a concrete, hands-on difference in our community.

Careers

We are proud of our healthy work culture at Catholic Charities of Oregon. Our approach includes everything from support for continuing training and education to a strong focus on allowing each employee to own their job and become a thought leader in their area of service. We take care of our employees so they can take care of others.

If you’re considering working with Catholic Charities of Oregon, please click below to view our job openings and fill out an application. We’d love to meet you.

View open opportunities

For career opportunities at CYO Camp Howard, please click here. Check back soon for more opportunities from our partner agencies.

Articles

Immigration Scams: How to Protect Yourself and Find Trusted Help

Posted By | Catholic Charities Communications
For many immigrant families, navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel complicated and overwhelming. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of that uncertainty. Knowing the warning signs—and where to find trusted help—can protect you, your loved ones, and your future. Para muchas familias inmigrantes, navegar el sistema de inmigración de Estados Unidos puede ser complicado y…

Voices of Hope

Posted By | Catholic Charities Communications
Thirteen-year-old Leah Norquist set out to complete a seventh-grade service project and ended up rallying her family, church, and community to support the women of Kenton Women’s Village. In this Voices of Hope spotlight, meet Leah and her mom, Emily, whose homemade meals, bake sales, and generous hearts are already making a lasting impact.

A Night of Celebration. A Year of Impact.

Posted By | Catholic Charities of Oregon
Last Friday, our community gathered for the 28th Annual Celebration of Hope — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion and generosity come together. In this message, CEO Kaleen Deatherage reflects on an evening that celebrated not only shared success, but the lasting impact supporters make every day across Oregon.

Refugee Families in Oregon Face Growing Uncertainty

Posted By | Catholic Charities of Oregon
Thousands of refugee families across Oregon are facing sudden losses of food assistance and growing uncertainty due to recent federal policy changes. Community leaders, including Catholic Charities, are calling for urgent action to prevent families from losing stability after years of rebuilding their lives.